The Sacramento Kings were supposed to open the season with Ben Simmons as a fresh piece in the mix. Instead, they’re staring at a brutal setback before he ever played a regular-season game for them.
Simmons is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles tendon at practice on Sunday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Charania reported, "Just in: Sacramento Kings guard Ben Simmons is believed to have sustained a torn Achilles tendon at practice Sunday, sources tell ESPN. A suspected season-ending injury for Simmons after rejuvenated and impressive training camp and preseason performances,"
For a player who spent the entire 2025-26 season rehabbing, the timing could hardly be worse. Simmons had already fought his way back into the conversation with a strong camp and preseason, and the injury wipes out what looked like the start of a real comeback story.
The Kings had planned to start Simmons on opening night against the L.A. Clippers on Wednesday.
That vision is gone now, and Sacramento has to pivot quickly. The most likely move is a return to the lineup plans they had before signing him late in the offseason, which could mean De'Andre Hunter slides back in.
Precious Achiuwa is another option, although the Kings also have Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell dealing with injuries, leaving Achiuwa needed as a backup center.
Simmons had only played in two preseason games, but one of them gave a strong hint of what Sacramento hoped to get. In the preseason finale, he posted 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. That was the version of Simmons the Kings were banking on - a player who could still tilt a game with passing, size, and defense.
Now they have to patch together that production elsewhere. Hunter, Achiuwa, Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Keegan Murray will all need to take on more, especially on the defensive end. Simmons also would have eased the burden on star rookie Darius Acuff Jr. by giving Sacramento another playmaker and defender in the starting group.
The front office may not be done looking for help, either. The Kings just waived Elfrid Payton from their training camp roster, but that decision could be revisited with Simmons out. Sacramento had made it clear it wanted a veteran ball-handler, and this injury could push them back into the market.
The Kings begin the regular season Wednesday in Los Angeles at 7:30 p.m. PT, and they’ll do it without the player who was supposed to be one of their biggest offseason additions. According to Charania, the outlook is already grim, and what was shaping up as an encouraging return now hangs in serious doubt.
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Malik Monks Kings Role Suddenly Feels Far Less Clear
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